The Labor enquirer., 1887-01-29
THE KIN IaHrs or = ABoR.
Preamble and Dsclarasien af Principles
sf This Great and ef ewing
Order Of fWorkingnl len.

The alarming development and aggressive.
ness Of great capitalists and corporations, un-
less checked. will inevitably lead to the
pauperization and hopeless degradation Of
the toiling masses.
1t Is imperative, II wel desire to enjoy the
full blessings Of life, that check be placed
upon unjust accumulation, and the power for
evil of aggregated wealth.
This much-desired object can be accom-
plished only by the united efforts Of those
who obey the divine Injunction, "II the
sweet of thy face shalt thou eat bread.p
Therefore We have formed the Order Of
knights of-Labor. forthe purpose Of organiz-
ing and directing the power Of the industrial
masses. not as political party, for 1t is more
lin It are crystalizsd sentiments and meas
ures for the benefit OF the whole people, but
It should be borne in mind, when exercising
the right Of Suffrage, that most OF the objects
herein set forth can only be obtained thr rough
legislation. and that 1t is the duty Of all to as
sist in nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates as will pledge
their support to those measur es, regardless OF
party. But no one shall, however, be COM
PEELED to vote with the majority, and calling
upon all who believe in securing "the greatest
good to the greatest number TO join and as.
sist rs. we declare to the world that our aims
are: N 49, IH
l. To make industrial and moral worth, not
wealth, the true standard Of individual and
National greatness. III
II. To secure TO the workers the full enjoy
ment Of the wealth they create. sufIicient
leisure in which to develop their intellectual
moral and SOCIAL faculties; al Of the dement's
recreation and pleasures or association in q
word, TO enable them to share In tho gains
and honors OF advancing civilization.
In order TO secure these results, we demand
Of the STATE;
| III. The establishment OF Bureaus Of Labor
Statistics. that We may arrive at q correct
knowledge OF the educational. moral and a
nancial condition of the laboring masses.
Nv. That the public lands, the heritage o.
the people, be reserved for actual settlers; moi
another acre for railroads OF speculators, and
that all lands now held for speculative pur
poses be taxed TO their full value.
v. The abrogation OF all laws that do moi
bear equally upon capital and labor, and tn,
removal OF unjust technicalities, delays and
determinations in the Standardization o
Justice.
vi. The adoption Of measures pfovidin,
for the health and safety Of those engaged II
mining. manufacturing and building indus
tries, and for indemnifcatidn 10 those engage.
therein for injuries received through lack .
necessary safeguards.
VII The recognition by Incorporation,
trades, unions, orders, and such othef associs
tions as may be organized by the workin
masses TO improve their condition and prt
tect their rights.
VIII. The enactment OF laws I'd compe
corporations 70 pay their employees weekly
In lawful money, for the labor OF the precef
ing week, and giving mechanics and laborer
nrst lien upon the product :
the extent Of their full ... -" :.
tx. The abolitiqp< de contract system 3
National, State and Municipal works.
x. Tho enactment Of laws providing for q
bitration between employers and dmployet
and 70 enforce the decision ofsthe Arbitrator
xL The prohibition BY law Of thb emp,o!
] Insnt Of children under Is year. Of age